Crock Pot Winter Fruit Crisp

Nonstick cooking spray

6 C. peeled, cored and sliced Golden Delicious apples

6 C. peeled, cored and sliced pears

1 C. dried cherries

1/2 C. sugar

1 T. grated orange peel (colored part only)

3 t. ground cinnamon, divided

1 C. flour

1 C. uncooked oats, quick or regular

3/4 C. brown sugar

1 t. dried ginger

1/4 t. mace

3/4 C. butter, softened

Fresh whipped cream or ice cream

Spray the bowl of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the apples, pears, dried cherries, sugar, orange peel and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; toss well.

In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, remaining 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ginger and mace. Crumble the butter with your fingers, add it to the flour mixture, and knead the mixture to incorporate the butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the fruit, patting it down lightly.

Scrape the fruit mixture into the slow cooker. Cook at high temperature until the fruit is bubbly, about 4 hours.

Serve warm with fresh whipped cream or ice cream.

Makes 12 servings.